Our FOB vehicle quotes are typically valid for 72 hours (as domestic retail vehicle sources can be sold at any time); sea freight quotes are valid for 7 to 14 days (depending on shipping line changes). After expiration, prices need to be recalculated based on real-time exchange rates and domestic procurement conditions.
A typical payment structure looks like this: 1. Deposit: 10-30% after you confirm the car and price, often to reserve the vehicle and start the inspection. 2. Balance: paid after you approve the inspection report, but before or at shipment. A common safeguard is paying against a copy of the bill of lading, with telex release of the original B/L after funds arrive. 3. Never send 100% upfront to a new supplier. Use traceable methods (T/T bank transfer to a corporate account matching the company name, or escrow for first orders) and keep every agreement in writing. 4. Timeline: quote within days, inspection 3-7 days, booking and loading 1-2 weeks, ocean transit 3-6 weeks, customs clearance 3-10 days. Red flags: personal bank accounts, pressure to skip inspection, prices far below market.
Changes must be requested before the shipping cut-off date (SI Cut-off Date) prior to the vessel's departure. Once the vessel has sailed, the shipping company will charge a high amendment fee, which may also cause delays in customs clearance at the destination port, with costs borne by the buyer.
